Sport, Exercise and Physiotherapy

Sport, exercise and rehabilitation are major global industries. For those at the cutting edge of athletic performance, sport scientists provide specialist technical support and guidance to optimise and maximise physical function, working predominantly with trained individuals or groups. More broadly, as part of a drive to increase the health and wellbeing of a largely inactive and unhealthy UK population, exercise scientists devise and deliver physical activity and nutritional interventions to improve health outcomes and enhance quality of life for general populations and those with chronic disease. In clinical settings, physiotherapists and sports rehabilitators are well-positioned to design and deliver treatment programmes for individuals across a broad spectrum, from those with chronic illness to elite athletes returning to sport following injury or trauma. For these reasons, career opportunities for those with interests in sport, exercise and rehabilitation are increasing dramatically in range and scope.

The Directorate of Sport, Exercise and Physiotherapy houses outstanding learning and teaching across a range of undergraduate and postgraduate study areas. You will benefit from exceptional state of the art laboratory facilities and practical suites, allied to our teaching clinics. With exceptional links to industrial partners, ranging from health trusts to elite sports teams, you can be assured of opportunities to practice in work-based settings related to your chosen career pathway.

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As the world of work evolves rapidly, we have developed a suite of higher and degree-level apprenticeships, offering a viable alternative to traditional university study. Our degree apprenticeship programmes open doors to rewarding and challenging careers across a wide range of and our portfolio of programmes is continually developing to meet the needs of today’s employers. You will benefit from the expertise of our academics who are leaders in their field as well as the opportunity to continually apply your knowledge in the workplace.

We have a range of facilities which span across our sport and exercise programmes which are available for students to use from day one.

Our purpose built facilities include our Human Performance Lab and Strength and Conditioning Suite which contains an extensive range of biomechanical and physiological equipment. This suite of equipment is designed to collect objective data on human kinetics and kinematics, muscular activity and other physiological measures. It features the latest motion tracking and analysis software, and is at the forefront of multidisciplinary clinical research at Salford.

Our Sports Injury Clinic offers a wide range of services from sports massage to treatment for foot related sports injuries. Our clinics are staffed by our students, giving them the opportunity to use cutting edge facilities and techniques to offer a variety of specialist treatments whilst under the supervision of fully trained academic staff.

I joined the University of Salford because of the excellent reputation of the Sports Science programme. During my studies, I have always found the lecturers to be extremely approachable and willing to help in answering any of my queries. Something I have found useful for my learning is reading around the topic area which has been helped by the appropriate and extensive reading lists provided by lecturers. Throughout the programme, I have particularly enjoyed studying sports psychology as I did not study this during my BTEC studies. The course has taught me the importance of understanding an athlete and their needs. I now approach my coaching practice in a different way, realising that I may need to alter my coaching practice with certain athletes. I am excited about starting my dissertation project in my final year, particularly because I have been allowed to choose a research project in an area I enjoy. Michael Haworth, Sports Science student on the Human Performance pathway

Having been working full time in the fitness industry for a number of years I approached the sports science course as a mature student at the age of 25. I was a little wary of the decision at first but was wanting to acquire more knowledge within the field of study, as I am very passionate about the human body and how it can be improved for performance. From the first day I knew that the right decision had been made and now entering my 2nd year of study I'm fully enjoying the experience even further. My first year studying at Salford was great. I've made some good friends for life and learnt subject matter I'm passionate about. Jack Murphy, Sports Science studen

If you're interested in exercise, health and nutrition and are passionate about helping the general public with their health then this is the course for you without a doubt. You couldn't get a better degree to qualify you to work with the general public in terms of their health (mental and physical), exercise, nutrition and even long-term health problems. Demi-lee Bridges, 2Exercise, Nutrition and Health graduate

Practical seminars and lectures provided a mixture of learning environments. This combination made learning an enjoyable experience with days of clinical experience offered at local trusts. This variety made engaging with the course easy. Projects I have worked on have involved working in groups, which has allowed me to establish strong friendships with my peers, making my time at Salford amazing! I have made friendships at Salford that I will take with me for life! Anna Coleman, BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy

I managed to achieve really good grades in college and so I wanted to go to a high standard University. I was aware that Salford is BASRaT accredited and is also the best university for Sport Rehabilitation. It also meant I was living right next to the city which I enjoy, being from Chester myself. It is also not that far to travel back home, so it is the ideal location. Rachel Williams, BSc (Hons) Sport Rehabilitation graduate

I found the Master’s program in Advanced Physiotherapy very helpful as it assisted in developing my research skills and evidence based approach in the assessment and treatment of patients. I have now successfully been offered a role as a physiotherapist at one of the NHS trusts in London. I will always be grateful to the staff at the University for their continued support and encouragement. Chukwuemeka Omakamee Nnuji, MSc Advanced Physiotherapy